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Climate change mitigation: Turning CO2 into rock

An international team of scientists has found a way to remove anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions from the atmosphere by turning it into rock. The process, known as carbonate mineralisation, can take as little as two years and permanently locks away CO2 in basaltic rocks.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScience·DateJun 9, 2016

In a first, Iceland power plant turns carbon emissions to stone

Scientists at the Hellisheidi power plant in Iceland have developed a method to convert CO2 emissions into solid minerals within months, significantly faster than predicted. The process involves mixing CO2 with water and injecting it into volcanic basalt, resulting in the formation of whitish, chalky minerals.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalScience·DateJun 9, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

New study captures ultrafast motion of proteins

A new study by UNIST researchers has observed structural changes in carbonic anhydrase for the first time. The enzyme catalyzes a reaction converting CO2 and water into protons and bicarbonate ions at a rate of 106 reactions per second, crucial for regulating chemical environments.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2016

Thinning out the carbon capture viscosity problem

Researchers used computer modeling to predict viscosity in CO2 capture materials, allowing for the design of low-viscosity liquids that can efficiently bind carbon dioxide. This could lead to cost savings and improved efficiency in carbon capture technology.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMay 17, 2016

Carbon capture is substantial in secondary tropical forests

Research suggests that protecting natural forest regrowth in secondary tropical forests can significantly reduce carbon emissions. These young and middle-aged forests have the potential to capture equivalent amounts of carbon as Latin America and the Caribbean between 1993 and 2014. If left alone for 40 years, they could play a substan...

SourceClemson University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 13, 2016

Novel functionalized nanomaterials for CO2 capture

Researchers at TIFR Mumbai have designed functionalized nanomaterials that offer superior CO2 capture capacity and stability compared to conventional materials. The new sorbents feature high amine loading with minimal decrease in surface area, making them suitable for efficient CO2 capture.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateMay 9, 2016

Improving CO2 storage using hospital scanner

Researchers at the University of Bergen have identified PET scanning as an effective tool for improved oil production and CO2 storage. The technology uses radioactive tracers to visualize the flow of liquid or gas in rock samples, increasing the efficiency of CO2 storage and oil production.

SourceThe University of Bergen·DateApr 20, 2016
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Project with ground-breaking sub-marine CCS experiment starts today

Scientists will simulate an emission from a submerged carbon dioxide storage reservoir in the North Sea, using acoustic and chemical sensors to detect released CO2. The goal is to develop innovative technology for detecting and quantifying CO2 emissions in the marine environment.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·DateMar 1, 2016

Research reveals carbon films can give microchips energy storage capability

An international team led by Dr. Yury Gogotsi and Dr. Patrice Simon has confirmed that carbon films can be integrated into silicon chips for energy storage, enabling the creation of microscale batteries on a chip. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for smaller personal electronic devices and the Internet of Things.

SourceDrexel University·JournalScience·DateFeb 11, 2016

Radical CO2 removal projects could be a risky business

Researchers suggest that large-scale CO2 removal schemes could have significant environmental impacts, including land use changes and financial costs. The proposed methods include growing bioenergy crops, tree plantations, and adding biochar to soil, but their effectiveness at scale remains uncertain.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature·DateFeb 10, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Study shows North Atlantic Ocean CO2 storage doubled over last decade

A University of Miami-led study shows that the North Atlantic absorbed 100% more man-made carbon dioxide over the last decade, impacting ocean life and marine organisms. The findings highlight the importance of reducing fossil fuel emissions to mitigate the effects on the oceans.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateFeb 2, 2016

Global learning is needed to save carbon capture and storage from being abandoned

A University of Cambridge researcher warns that abandoning carbon capture and storage (CCS) would hinder efforts to reduce carbon emissions. CCS is essential for delivering flexible power and reducing emissions from industrial processes, but funding issues have led to a decline in interest from corporations and governments.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Energy·DateJan 11, 2016

Including plant acclimation to temperature change improves climate models

Researchers found that including plants' acclimation to changes in temperature improves climate model accuracy, especially for tropical forests. Adding formulas for acclimation increases carbon exchange simulations by 36%, leading to a better understanding of how regions will respond to warmer temperatures.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 7, 2015

Carbon capture analyst: 'Coal should stay in the ground'

A new study from the University of Michigan found that most economic analyses of carbon capture and storage technology for coal-fired power plants severely underestimates its costs and overestimates its energy efficiency. The researchers conclude that renewable energy sources are likely to be cheaper than reducing carbon emissions from...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 2, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

New crystal captures carbon from humid gas

Scientists have created a stable and recyclable material that captures carbon dioxide from the air, even in the presence of water. The material, SGU-29, has micropores with different adsorption sites for CO2 and water, allowing it to efficiently capture both.

SourceStockholm University·JournalScience·DateOct 15, 2015

Vines add surprising variable to tropical forest carbon storage

A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that woody vines, known as lianas, dramatically reduce tropical forests' ability to store carbon. By crowding out trees and killing them, lianas lead to reduced tree growth and increased tree death, resulting in a 76% decrease in above-ground biomass.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2015

Elsevier's IGGC publishes special issue on CO2 capture and storage

The special issue marks the 10th year anniversary of IPCC SRCCS and outlines significant progress made in CO2 Capture and Storage (CCS) in the last decade. The reviews suggest that CCS is now a mature technology, ready for large-scale deployment to combat climate change.

SourceElsevier·JournalInternational Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control·DateSep 15, 2015

Waste coffee used as fuel storage

Researchers at UNIST developed a simple process to treat waste coffee grounds for methane storage using sodium hydroxide and heating. The process produces a stable carbon capture material with environmental benefits of recycling a waste product.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateSep 2, 2015
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

'Diamonds from the sky' approach turns CO2 into valuable products

Researchers have developed a technology to economically convert atmospheric CO2 into highly valued carbon nanofibers, which can be used in products like strong composites and sports equipment. The process uses electrolytic syntheses and is powered by solar energy, with potential to remove large amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 19, 2015

Copper clusters capture and convert carbon dioxide to make fuel

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have identified a new catalyst that can efficiently capture and convert carbon dioxide into methanol, a liquid fuel. The copper tetramer, consisting of small clusters of four copper atoms, works by binding to carbon dioxide molecules and accelerating chemical reactions.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 7, 2015

Carbon dioxide pools discovered in Aegean Sea

Scientists have discovered opalescent pools in the Santorini volcano's crater containing high concentrations of carbon dioxide. The pools' unique properties may hold answers to questions about deepsea carbon storage and provide a means of monitoring the volcano for future eruptions.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 16, 2015
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

How unwanted CDs and DVDs could help cut carbon emissions

Researchers from Poland and the US turn disc fragments into activated carbon with high surface areas, capturing carbon dioxide, hydrogen gas, and benzene. The material could be used for carbon capture applications and separate volatile organic compounds.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateApr 8, 2015

Ordinary clay can save the day

Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology have discovered that ordinary clay can effectively capture carbon dioxide (CO2), rivaling other materials used for this purpose. The smectite clay's surface is responsible for binding CO2, with ions associated with the surface being the active capturers.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 8, 2015
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Good luck and the Chinese reverse global forest loss

An international team of scientists found that global vegetation has increased by nearly 4 billion tonnes of carbon since 2003, driven by environmental and economic factors. The increase was largely due to tree-planting projects in China and changes in rainfall patterns in regions like Australia and Africa.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 30, 2015

A better way of scrubbing CO2

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have discovered a way to improve the cost-effectiveness of CO2 scrubbing using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). By appending diamine molecules, they were able to more than triple the CO2-scrubbing capacity and reduce parasitic energy.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMar 17, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

New material captures carbon at half the energy cost

Researchers have developed a new material that can capture carbon dioxide from air more efficiently than current methods, releasing CO2 at lower temperatures. This technology could reduce energy costs by half or more for power plants and potentially be used in submarines to remove CO2 from the sea.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateMar 11, 2015

Sodium carbonate capsules used to capture carbon safely

Lawrence Livermore scientists have developed a new type of carbon capture media composed of core-shell microcapsules that react with and absorb CO2. The capsules use sodium carbonate, a household ingredient, to capture carbon dioxide from fossil fuel use in power generation and other industries.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 5, 2015

Preventing greenhouse gas from entering the atmosphere

A novel class of materials has been developed to remove greenhouse gas from power plant emissions, offering a safer and more energy-efficient process. The microcapsules contain liquid sorbents encased in highly permeable polymer shells, achieving an order-of-magnitude increase in CO2 absorption rates.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 5, 2015

Cheap asphalt provides 'green' carbon capture

Rice University researchers have developed a new carbon capture material that can hold 114% of its weight in carbon dioxide, capturing more than current methods. The material is made from inexpensive asphalt and can be reused multiple times without degrading.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 7, 2015
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Carbon-trapping 'sponges' can cut greenhouse gases

Researchers at Cornell University have invented carbon-trapping sponges that outperform industry benchmarks, reducing toxicity and increasing efficiency. The innovative technology uses a silica scaffold with nanoscale pores to capture carbon dioxide in the presence of moisture.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 16, 2014

Buckyballs enhance carbon capture

Researchers at Rice University have created an environmentally friendly compound that effectively captures carbon dioxide emissions from industrial flue gases and natural gas wells. The new material, combined with buckminsterfullerene molecules, achieves high selectivity and efficiency in capturing carbon dioxide while rejecting methane.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 3, 2014

Researchers get $1.25 million to advance carbon storage

Clemson University researchers are developing new instruments to measure ultra-high-resolution strain movements in underground CO2 storage sites. The goal is to improve the ability to monitor and safeguard geologic carbon storage, making it cheaper and safer.

SourceClemson University·DateNov 21, 2014
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

ASU grant aims to transform global energy landscape

Researchers at Arizona State University are developing a cost-effective carbon capture technology using an electrochemical technique. The goal is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants by more than half, with the potential to spur economic development in renewable energy and energy security.

SourceArizona State University·DateOct 23, 2014

A cost-effective and energy-efficient approach to carbon capture

Scientists from EPFL, UC Berkeley, and Beijing have combined solid and liquid materials to create a hybrid absorption-adsorption method that captures CO2 more efficiently than current methods. The new approach uses a slurry of ZIF-8, a metal-organic framework, with glycol, allowing for low-cost and energy-efficient carbon capture.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 9, 2014

MIT Deshpande Center announces Fall 2014 research grants

The Deshpande Center has awarded $976,000 in grants to fourteen MIT research teams working on early-stage technologies with potential impact on quality of life. The projects aim to develop innovative solutions for disease monitoring, cancer treatment, water desalination and other areas.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 7, 2014

Study helps assess impact of temperature on belowground soil decomposition

A new study finds that soil organic carbon decomposition does not accelerate under climate warming, but its storage remains constant. Ecosystem productivity increases with temperature change, while coarse wood decomposition and plant growth rates rise.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 23, 2014
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Copper foam turns carbon dioxide into useful chemicals

Researchers have discovered that copper foams can convert carbon dioxide into formic acid and propylene, two valuable industrial chemicals. The discovery provides a new route for sustainable chemical production, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

SourceBrown University·JournalACS Catalysis·DateAug 12, 2014

University of Illinois to receive Energy Frontier Research Center awards

The University of Illinois is involved in five newly funded Energy Frontier Research Centers, including the 'Center for Geologic Storage of CO2' which aims to reduce uncertainties surrounding carbon dioxide storage. The center will receive $2-4 million per year and involves a team of researchers from several academic institutions.

SourcePrairie Research Institute, University of Illinois·DateJun 24, 2014
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Rice University produces carbon-capture breakthrough

Researchers at Rice University have created a porous material that can capture and polymerize carbon dioxide from natural gas at ambient temperature. The material shows promise to replace more costly and energy-intensive processes, enabling the economic production of gas resources with higher carbon dioxide content.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2014

Decomposing logs show local factors undervalued in climate change predictions

A new study suggests that local factors, such as fungal colonization and terrain, play a more significant role in wood decomposition rates than previously thought. This finding has implications for climate models, which may be weakened by aggregating data across large geographic areas.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 2, 2014

Predation on invertebrates by woodland salamanders increases carbon capture

Research by the USDA Forest Service finds that woodland salamander predation on invertebrates increases litter retention and carbon capture. The study, led by Dr. Hartwell Welsh Jr., suggests that these small animals play a significant role in regulating forest ecosystems.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalEcosphere·DateMar 10, 2014
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Climate engineering -- what do the public think?

A new study found that the public has a strong negative view of climate engineering, with approaches like carbon capture and cloud brightening being better received. The results suggest that even well-regarded techniques still have a net negative perception.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 12, 2014

An inside look at a MOF in action

A team of researchers from Berkeley Lab has made the first in situ electronic structure observations of a metal-organic framework (MOF) as it adsorbs carbon dioxide gas. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of Near Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy in probing MOF chemistry and gas adsorption.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 22, 2013

Success of climate talks vital for 2°C target

A comprehensive analysis of Durban Platform scenarios suggests that climate talks can deliver an outcome consistent with the 2-degree target if global climate action is substantially strengthened. However, delaying action would require higher emission decline rates and larger economic costs.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalClimate Change Economics·DateNov 15, 2013
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Safe long term storage of CO2 is possible

The CO2CARE EU project has successfully demonstrated the safe and sustainable closure of a CO2 storage site, meeting key requirements for geological carbon capture and storage. The Ketzin pilot site's termination marks the first site to be closed within a scientific project.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·DateNov 8, 2013

Gas injection probably triggered small earthquakes near Snyder, Texas

A new study found that underground gas injection was correlated with small earthquakes near Snyder, Texas, between 2006 and 2011. The researchers suggest that geological faults may be responsible for the triggering of these quakes in some areas but not others.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2013